Published:
March
18,
2010Burnham-On-Sea
police get new high-tech crime-fighting
gadget

Police
in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge are getting a new high-tech weapon
to help them in their fight against crime.

Police
officers and PCSOs are being being issued with PDAs to help them
during their patrols across the two towns.

The
handheld computers provide access to detailed logs about incidents
and also check email messages without the need to return to Burnham
police station, thereby increasing time on visible patrols.

The
device also has the ability to take photographs and record video
and also has mapping software to help officers find locations.

There
is also a facility to check custody records, including photographs,
to confirm identities and the gadgets also allow persons wanted
for non-payment of fines and those on warrant to be quickly identified.

Highbridge
PCSO Gill Bawler, pictured, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Since
being issued with my device I have found it an asset to my role."

"It
reduces air time on the radio and improves my service to the community
as I have more detailed information when I attend incidents."